Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad for the upcoming Summer of Hockey series in Dunedin, marking a special return to home soil as the team begins the build towards the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup. The Summer of Hockey series provides an important opportunity to reconnect with fans, play international hockey in Aotearoa and continue to build momentum following a successful 2025 season.
The Dunedin event will bring international opposition to the shores of New Zealand and create a festival-like atmosphere for players, fans and the wider hockey community. For the Vantage Black Sticks Women, the series is a valuable opportunity to test combinations, welcome players back to the environment and continue to develop depth and connection within the squad as preparations ramp up for an important World Cup year.
Vantage Black Sticks Women Captain Olivia Shannon is excited about what the series represents for the group. “It’s exciting to have hockey back in New Zealand and to start our build-up to the World Cup at home. Being back on the field after a big and successful 2025, welcoming players back from injury and seeing this group come together will be really exciting. We have a great squad and I can’t wait to see what we can do in Dunedin and in 2026.”
The team has a mix of experience and emerging talent, with some important results further strengthening the group. Katie Doar returns to international hockey after a long rehabilitation process following surgery, with her determination and resilience during recovery a strong reflection of her character. Liz Thompson also returns to the Black Sticks environment after some time away from the international stage. She earned her selection through strong performances in the Premier Hockey League and brings valuable experience back to the squad.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women roster for the summer hockey: ANNA CROWLEY, BRITT WANG, CASEY CROWLEY, ELLA HYATT-BROWN, EMMA RAINEY, GRACE O’HANLON, HANNAH COTTER, HANNAH GRAVENALL, HOLLY PEARSON, HOPE RALPH, JOSEPHINE MURRAY, JULIA GLUYAS, KAITLIN COTTER, KATIE DOAR, LIZ THOMPSON, MEZZY SURRIDGE, OLIVIA SHANNON, REBECCA BAKER, RIANA PHO, TESSA REID.
The Summer of Hockey series in Dunedin promises high quality international hockey, strong home field advantage and an exciting next chapter for the Vantage Black Sticks Women as they continue their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE. (21-25 January 2026 at Alexander McMillan Hockey Centre, Dunedin)
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